NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
The avocado industry has become the seventh industry partner to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership.
"It's very pleasing to have the avocado industry on-board, working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and other industry partners to manage and respond to the most important biosecurity risks," says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
Avocados are New Zealand's third largest fresh fruit export. In the 2014-2015 season the industry produced 7.1 million trays of avocados worth around $135 million.
"The GIA means the industry can work in partnership and contribute their time, expertise, and resources to achieve better biosecurity outcomes," he says.
"Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we need the input of industry and the wider public to make the system as effective as possible.
"I've always said biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister and this is backed up with a range of new initiatives. Last year's funding boost of $27 million has meant more detector dogs, x-ray machines and inspectors.
"We also have the new border clearance levy, a new inflight video for international passengers, and an $87 million biocontainment laboratory under construction at Wallaceville."
The New Zealand Avocado Growers' Association joins Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, New Zealand Pork, New Zealand Equine Health Association, Onions New Zealand, the NZ Forestry Owners Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries under GIA.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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